Capturing the "Chicago Air and Water Show" with the Befree GT PRO Tripod: A Content Creator’s Dream

The "Chicago Air and Water Show" is one of the most thrilling events of the summer, attracting thousands of spectators and content crators from around the world. Whether you’re a professional or an enthusiast, having the right gear can make or break your experience at this high-paced event. This year, I had the chance to put the new to the test while capturing both photos and video of the show. With its lightweight design, quick setup features, and ability to support heavier gear, it turned out to be the ideal companion for my Canon R5C setup.

Why I Chose the Befree GT PRO Tripod

As someone who needs to switch seamlessly between shooting photos and video, the Canon R5C was the perfect camera for this event. Its hybrid capabilities let me toggle between modes with ease, so I didn’t have to carry two separate camera bodies. But having a versatile tripod was just as important. The stood out because it allowed me to capture both video and stills without compromise, whether I was using a lightweight lens like the 24-70mm or heavier lenses such as the 70-200mm or even the 60-600mm for long telephoto shots. The tripod’s sturdiness ensured that even with larger lenses, my shots stayed steady.

Getting the Perfect View at North Avenue Beach

We kicked off the day at North Avenue Beach, one of the prime spots for watching the "Chicago Air and Water Show". This location offers stunning views of planes soaring over Lake Michigan with the Chicago skyline as a backdrop, including landmarks like the John Hancock Tower. The visual contrast of sleek fighter jets flying above the towering cityscapemade for some breathtaking shots.

Thanks to the tripod’s twist-lock legs, I was able to quickly set up and secure my camera to capture the planes as they whizzed by. The planes move fast, so I needed to stay nimble, often adjusting the tripod’s height and angle to track them. The ’s lightweight design allowed me to keep up with the action while moving around the crowded beach to get the best possible angle. Even with my 60-600mm lens mounted, the tripod provided solid support, letting me capture crisp close-ups of the planes at full zoom without worrying about camera shake.

Getting Creative Along the Highway

After spending the morning at North Avenue Beach, we ventured out to find more unique vantage points. One of the great things about shooting the "Air and Water Show" is the flexibility to find creative locations, even if it means pulling off along the highway. From these spots, we captured planes flying at different altitudes and angles, offering more varied compositions.

While shooting from the highway, I needed the tripod to be sturdy enough to hold my gear securely on uneven ground yet light enough to move quickly when a better view came up. The GT PRO’s ability to hold up to 13.2 lbs of weight meant I could confidently use my 60-600mm lens, giving me a great telephoto view of planes taking off.

This approach highlighted how the was perfect for this kind of event. Its portability allowed me to get in and out of unconventional shooting spots, and its stable support gave me the freedom to focus on getting the perfect shot rather than worrying about my equipment.

On the Runway at the Gary Jet Center

The final stop of the day was at the Gary Jet Center, where many of the planes used in the show take off and land. This location gave us the chance to capture planes up close, and I took full advantage of the opportunity by switching to my 60-600mm lens for some dynamic runway shots. Planes roared down the runway, and the tripod’s quick setup made it easy to adjust and keep up with the action.

Here, the ’s ability to handle a heavier setup was key. The 60-600mm lens is no lightweight piece of equipment, but the tripod’s maximum load capacity made me feel confident that my camera was stable and safe, even when zoomed in on fast-moving aircraft.

The cherry on top of the day’s adventures was the chance to go up in one of the show’s planes for a doors-off flight. From the air, I was able to capture stunning aerial shots of the Chicago skyline. With a lighter setup, using the 24-70mm lens and the Befree GT PRO tripod, I had the flexibility to shoot while airborne, something I hadn’t anticipated but was thrilled to experience. Despite the challenges of shooting in such a high-energy environment, the tripod remained easy to manage, allowing me to keep my setup streamlined in the plane.

The Tripod You Need for Photo and Video Versatility

In the end, the proved itself to be the perfect travel companion for an event like the "Chicago Air and Water Show". Its lightweight design and compact size made it easy to transport around the city and set up quickly. The twist-lock leg system was a lifesaver when I needed to react fast and get the tripod in position before the planes zoomed by. And while it’s small and portable, the GT PRO is impressively sturdy.

For anyone who shoots both photos and video like I do, having a tripod that can keep up with your needs is crucial. The GT PRO allowed me to transition smoothly between both mediums while providing the flexibility I needed to capture everything from wide-angle skyline shots to up-close telephoto images of the aircraft. Its versatility, combined with the Canon R5C’s ability to switch between photo and video modes seamlessly, made for an incredibly productive and exciting shoot.

If you’re looking for a tripod that balances portability, strength, and versatility, the Befree GT PRO is a must-have, especially for events that require quick thinking and mobility like the "Chicago Air and Water Show". Whether you’re capturing fast-moving planes or framing up iconic shots of the city skyline, this tripod has you covered.